This piece had a number of very pithy quotes that I found quite lucid. I think the most important of them all was the one that went: "...the aim of revision is to improve the poem, not to spare or enhance anyone's feelings." This is something I wish more writers would embrace. The poem is not you. A criticism of the poem is not a criticism of you. You and the Poem are quite separate. Moreover, criticism should be welcomed, and not taken with an air of tacit offense.
I think the worst thing about the creative writing process as I have experienced at this school, and the thing this piece and this quote address is that nobody seems willing to really pick apart anyone else's work. There is very little emotion that goes into any critique; in fact, most critiques come off like a perfunctory hug: superficially compassionate, but ultimately driven by an unwillingness to appear rude. This bothers me a lot. I criticize my own work a great deal because I feel that it is the only way for it to improve. I am rarely satisfied with my work to the extent that I feel that it should be displayed in public. Be this a quirk of my personality as it may, every writer should be pleased to receive criticism, not because their work is "bad," but because something which inspires comment of any kind is the only thing which deserves to continue being worked on.
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I agree with the poem not being you or vise versa, but what are you to do when you try and make a point that YOU want to get across, and can't get across how the reader needs?
ReplyDeleteI've already posted three comments, but I agree so whole-heartedly, I can't help but voice it. This major has a tendency to be a little touchy-feely for me. There shouldn't be any need to hold back criticism and spare people's feelings because feelings shouldn't be on the line to begin with. I don't want sunshine blown up my ass; don't build me up with praise if my writing is crap. Delusion won't help me succeed.
ReplyDeleteI have the same problem working with constructive criticism with my band mates. As you (and the author of push hands) described, they don't make the distinction between their egos and their ideas. The ladder become public property once shared.
I agree that good criticism is crucial to the advancement of one's writing, however I find it hard to blame the school's program. I have not yet taken any workshop classes at state, and therefor cannot critique the means by which they function as a writing tool for students, however I do feel like if one really want to get critical feedback on their writing, there are plenty of students and faculty within the department who can give such advice.
ReplyDeleteCriticism is a very unnatural process for anyone, and it takes time to acquire the skills to be an active critic of other's writing. I think people have a natural inclination to praise as opposed to scold writing, and while this is unfortunate for the aspiring writer, it is something that we learn progressively to help our peers.
I imagine you're right, McCoy and it'll get more intense eventually. I'm probably too impatient. Before I knew what I wanted to do with my life, I was a lot more zen. Such is passion, I guess.
ReplyDeleteBy the by, the experiences with work shopping that left me dissatisfied were the CW301 I took last semester and the pair of creative writing classes I took at the community college I came from--all novice level courses. I can acknowledge my shortsightedness in not having realized that experience with work-shopping is definitely a factor. You cheered me up some. Hooray.
I think that the act of embracing criticism requires experience. The experience of letting one’s skin thicken to rejection (or the feeling of rejection) to the point that you can take what the other person says (or writes) with the skill of being able to take the criticism that has merit and let go of what doesn’t, without feeling like your being personally attacked by the person. The same can be said for giving criticism. There needs to be some tact in the delivery of the criticism, otherwise it’s not really helpful. However, constructive criticism is a big help. I agree.
ReplyDelete- K De Melo
I don't think one can "blame" an institution for not having rigorous enough critique at this level. The writer has many outlets to invite criticism. I do agree in that I too would love stronger, more in depth critique of my work but I'm not sure that I have all the tools for properly critiquing someone's work. I have a workshop in one of my classes and it's not bad, but it does depend on what GIA you get. I just transfered and I realized how much I still need to learn before I can give well supported advise on others' work. Right now the goal is output.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it is entirely counterproductive to praise someone's work when that isn't how you feel, and as Skinner asserts, there are levels of criticism and means of conveying them that make them more palatable, and as a result more useful to the writer. It can be difficult to detach yourself from your work as a writer, and equally difficult to make negative statements about someone else's work. Suggestions for both giving and receiving criticism such as the ones he outlined make it an easier process for both parties involved.
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